UN Associate Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) has been transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator System. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aims to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda through data-driven strategies and innovative approaches.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist will prepare analytical products to support decision-making for the UN Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and external partners, to develop and implement databases and data collection systems that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The position is integral to the UN's efforts in achieving development priorities and the SDGs, requiring a proactive approach to data analytics and collaboration with national statistical partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing databases and data collection systems, analyzing trends using statistical methods, and improving data analytics processes. Key responsibilities include developing monitoring and evaluation products for UN frameworks, creating reports and dashboards, tracking data initiatives, and contributing to data visualization outputs. The role also involves assisting in statistical capacity-building, conducting outcome-level analysis, and providing training on data analytics and results-based management. The Associate Data Specialist will engage in various activities to support the MEL cycle and ensure effective communication of data insights.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of data science and analytics concepts, including statistics and predictive modeling. Experience with UN planning and monitoring processes is essential, along with skills in data validation and quality assurance. Proficiency in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and R is desirable. The ability to communicate complex data-related matters to diverse audiences is also important.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or social sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data science and analytics is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and have experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs. Familiarity with the data life cycle, including data collection, wrangling, analysis, and reporting, is essential.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Bhutan only, and candidates must have a national context in their functions. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.